Category: Beauty

I’m back with a Healthy Options shopping haul! It’s been a rather long time sine the last one. I visit Healthy Options stores at least once a month, but I haven’t had the time to share what I’ve picked up during my trips. Anyway, I hope to get back to my usual routine and post product hauls and even some reviews more frequently. 🙂 Here are my interesting finds from Healthy Options Shangri-la yesterday. My cart was filled with 20+ grocery items, personal care, and supplements for me and my family.

My Large Healthy Options Shopping Haul from Shangri-la Branch

Food

Organic Valley Whole Milk has all the taste and nutrition of a tall glass of milk, without the glass. This whole milk marries farm-fresh organic goodness with revolutionary packaging that preserves the milk’s taste, even without refrigeration. It’s a great drink for breakfast and for any snack, and it’s also perfect on the go.

I was surprised to see that Healthy Options also offers veggie burger patties. As soon as I saw it from the chiller, it caught my attention and I felt excited to share some with my dad who’s a vegetarian. I got two flavor variants: Dr. Praeger’s Frozen Bibimbap Veggie Burger and the Organic Sunshine Barbecue Vegetarian Burger.

The Korean veggie burger consists of veggies, brown rice, and spicy Gochujang sauce. It can be baked in the oven on a baking pan, cooked using a non-stick pan over medium heat via skillet, or microwaved for 1.5 minutes. The Barbecue veggie burger is made with organic pinto beans and spices, with a hint of smoky sweetness and tangy flavors combined. This one’s great on the grill or sauteed in a pan.

Recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for baking. Instead of starting from scratch though, I prefer getting all-natural mixes so it’s faster and easier to prepare. I tried baking soft-baked cookies from the Madhava Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix last week, and it was a success! My husband and I adored the result: the cookies were golden around the edges, but still soft in the center.

This time, I’m excited to bake chocolate brownies out of Madhava’s Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownie Mix. It has the goodness of Khorasan Kamut wheat, an ancient grain, and natural, organic sweeteners. Khorasan Kamut wheat is higher in protein and minerals than modern wheat. The good thing is that there’s no overly processed sugars or preservatives here, just naturally crave-worthy brownies fresh from your oven. Sweet!

Next up, I got the non-gmo Alexia Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries. We’ve tried these before and it’s hard not to fall in love with the amazing texture and taste. These organic crispy potatoes are lightly seasoned with a flawless blend of sea salt, pepper, onion and garlic, creating a distinctive taste unlike anything you’ll find in your usual fry. I just put the pieces into the oven, wait a few minutes, and they’re good to go!

We love “collecting” delicious condiments in our pantry. Ginger People Sweet Ginger Chili Sauce looked interesting on the shelf. This sauce combines the flavors of sweet red peppers with the heat of ginger and chilies. It can be used in cooking or drizzled over food such as grilled jumbo prawns, roasted chicken, pork chops, crab cakes, burgers and salmon. We love the versatile blend of sweet and heat, and this sauce is a favorable dipping sauce for spring rolls and pot stickers as well.

For snacks with less guilt, I got Popcorners Smoking Jalapeno and White Cheddar. These corn chips are satisfying, without those unnecessary party crashers of trans fat, gluten, and GMOs. Pop open a bag, and experience the life of the party!

Supplements

Healthy Options is the #1 store we trust when it comes to supplements. To gain and maintain good health, we always stock up on calcium, magnesium, and zinc as these minerals help maintain healthy bones, cell division and growth, and also support the body’s immune system.

My husband and I both take Healthy Options Chelated Magnesium to maintain adequate magnesium in the body. While it’s best to get magnesium through foods, such as green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains, supplements can fill the gap when your diet falls short. This especially helps with digestion, reduces PMS symptoms, eases anxiety, and helps to improve the sleep quality.

As the skin ages, it becomes less efficient at converting rays from the sun into vitamin D and a gradual loss of bone density can occur, leaving bones more vulnerable to breaks and fractures. We don’t have a lot of sun exposure since we stay in the office throughout the day. For people like us who are deficient in the “sunshine vitamin,” taking Vitamin D3 supplements can help ensure adequate amounts to support bone, teeth, muscle and immune health and also the internal absorption of calcium. Note: If you are unsure about taking supplements, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

Personal Care

My mom ran out of facial scrub. To replace her Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub (which she really loves), I got her Alba Sea Enzyme Facial Scrub. This product has received a lot of raves and positive reviews online, and I have also tried it before. It consists of powerful marine complex that stimulates cell regeneration for a more balanced, uniform, even complexion.

What I like about it is that it’s gentle but effective in fighting off dull skin. It’s free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The texture of the scrub is very fine and slightly gritty, like a very fine sand. There is a nice ratio of exfoliant to cream and it spreads very nicely across the skin. This scrub does not make my face overly dry and it has helped very much with the areas of my face that are prone to blackheads. The scent is also very subtle and just slightly floral.

This is our third container of Avalon Organics Intense Defense with Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer. Apparently, it’s the only moisturizer that works effectively on my husband’s sensitive skin. The scent is fresh and orange-y, and the texture and consistency is great. It’s easy to spread, with soft, non-greasy hydration, light and comfortable while still doing its job to “energize” the skin. It definitely helps combat dry skin without making the face feel too oily. A huge win!

I’m curious to know how a dry shampoo cleanses the hair. I’ve been a fan of Giovanni hair shampoo and conditioner and have used up all the variants since last year. Now is a great chance to also experience using their dry shampoo. It’s also made with organic, vegan ingredients.

Giovanni Dry Shampoo claims that it’s a 2-in-1 power shampoo and hair volumizer that adds body, volume, and bounce, giving hair a boost while absorbing excess oil. How exactly is that possible without washing hair with water? How does it take out all the grease and how does it smell? I’ll find out soon enough! It may take a bit of practice to use.

I now have my own Minka Toothbrush Charcoal. Yay! Made of biodegradable bamboo, this high-quality and eco-friendly toothbrush is naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant as its nylon bristles massage teeth and gums for good oral health. It deodorizes the mouth, prevents bad breath and plaque build-up, and provides a gentle yet thorough clean. I’ve been eyeing on this product for several months. It’s something to support nature and the environment, as part of an all-natural lifestyle.

Finally, from the Baby and Kids section, I got Nature’s Gate Baby Shampoo and Baby Wash, Nature’s Gate Toothpaste Gel for Kids (Cherry), Babyganics Lip and Face Balm, and Field Day Baby Wipes. 😉

Wrap Up

I’m happy with all my purchases. 🙂 Every trip to Healthy Options brings a smile to our faces. We believe that health is about more than just what you put in your body; it’s also about living and breathing a balanced, sustainable lifestyle through every aspect of your being from the home to mental well-being. Leading a healthy lifestyle not only keeps you feeling and looking your best, but it also keeps illness and disease at bay so that you can live a longer, happier and more vibrant life.

From organic food, cruelty-free toiletries, and supplements to eco-friendly household products, Healthy Options in the Philippines is not your average health foods store. It’s a one-stop shop so full of wholesome goodness where you can feel healthy, even while shopping! Here, you can find something to suit all dietary requirements whether you’re on a gluten-free diet, vegan, paleo, low-sodium, ketogenic and everything in between.

Click here to view all my previous Healthy Options shopping haul posts. 🙂

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.healthyoptions.com.ph/stores” name=”My Large Healthy Options Shopping Haul” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2018-08-18″ ]

Zennya is like the Uber or Grab for massages in Metro Manila. It’s an on-demand app delivering trained massage therapists to your home. Services are ordered and delivered through a mobile app, and in about 30 to 40 minutes, a highly skilled and carefully vetted practitioner will be at your door. Zennya follows strict quality standards and protocols representing current industry best practices. I recently tried it for the first time and had a good experience.

Use my Zennya referral code “rochkirstind344” and get Php 200 off your first booking.

A brief background: I always have a back pain since I work about 10 hours sitting with a bad posture in the office. It’s difficult to avoid the pitfalls of sitting and slouching. I think my husband is already used to hearing my complains. He’s kind and patient to accommodate my massage requests sometimes. 😛

He himself also loves receiving massages. In fact, he has visited and tried almost every massage center in our area in Quezon City. One day through online search, he discovered Zennya and has booked massage therapists using the app several times ever since. After maybe his fourth try, he recommended me to use it as well. I used his code and got a ₱200 discount instantly.

Zennya: Convenient Home Massage Service

Types of Massages Available: The Zennya app offers different types of massages and lets you choose between a male and female therapist.

• Swedish Aromatherapy: Medium pressure massage using long gliding strokes with organic essential oil aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and induce sleep
• Swedish Therapeutic: Deep massage using signature balm and Swedish movements to release tight muscle groups
• Shiatsu: A manipulative therapy developed in Japan and incorporating techniques of anma (Japanese traditional massage), acupressure, stretching, and Western massage
• Thai Foot Massage: Massage therapy focusing on the lower legs and feet using a stick to stimulate pressure points, as well as stretching and deep tissue massage techniques
• Office Syndrome Therapy: An intense therapeutic session to treat repetitive postural stress using multiple advanced massage modalities (can be performed while sitting in office or home)

I chose the Office Syndrome Therapy since I thought the description suit me best. 🙂

Massage Duration: You can decide how long you’d like your massage to be and you can book your massage right away. The duration can be from an hour to an hour and a half long. You can also see the duration remaining on your phone screen once the session has started.

Communication and Tracking: Once a therapist is located and is matched to your profile, you may send instant messages through the Zennya app and see the updated location on the app’s map in real time. You can also track the therapist’s arrival and receive notifications as they arrive.

Massage Therapists: Zennya therapists are accredited by the Philippines’ health department or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. They are required to submit pertinent documents such as identification and police clearance, so you can be rest assured that you’ll be inviting and welcoming someone trusted in your home. The therapists are equipped with the high quality organic massage oils and aromatherapy and accompanied with ambient massage background music.

Ratings: Similar to Uber, Zennya has a five-star rating system which allows customers to rate their masseuse and the masseuse to also rate the customers. The quick rating and feedback will help the company weed out bad service providers and also customers, so both sides are protected. The bi-directional rating system encourages all users to be on their best behavior and promotes quality.

Favorite Option: By default, Zennya assigns the therapist nearest to your home when you book an appointment. But you also have the option to set your preferred therapists as “favorites.” In this case, the request will go to your favorite therapist the next time you book.

Cashless Transaction and Tipping: No cash at home? Don’t fret. You can pay through credit card or PayPal. I used my PayPal account and the payment was securely processed within the app. It saves the hassle of having to withdraw from an ATM, especially at night. I received an email receipt (digital invoice) after the massage. Cashless transactions provide full traceability on every service and eliminate problems related to available change, invalid currency or identity of both parties.

Reasons Why I Prefer Home Massage Service

1. Save on travel time
If you’re busy and don’t have the time or patience to brave the traffic and travel to a spa or massage center, a home massage service is a great option. Life can be demanding and the good news is that you don’t have to spend more of your precious time getting dressed, preparing, and driving to and fro the spa. Booking an appointment with Zennya is way easier. Just lie back or sit down and get your body massage within half an hour after booking.

2. Choose your own mood
While spas spend a lot of thought and money in their environs, there really is no place like home! You can watch Netflix, your favorite TV shows, listen to a podcast, or play your own soothing music just the way you like it. You can even light your own scented candles or darken the room to create a more relaxing ambiance, while the masseuse gives you the body massage of your dreams.

3. Stay relaxed after the massage
The best part is that I can relax at home and not have to deal with the outside world after the massage. I hate it when I have to drive back home after getting pampered from a massage center. It’s as if the relaxation soon leaves as soon as I step out of the salon. A body massage is meant to relax the body and not cause stress afterwards. With a body massage at home, I can easily fall off to sleep while the masseuse lets herself out.

4. Feel in charge
Book in seconds, arrange your own schedule, choose the massage type, and a vetted, background-checked massage therapist comes to you in less than an hour.

Office Syndrome Therapy by Zennya

Because of modern lifestyle and work schedule, I sit for long periods. This causes muscular stress and postural damage. The Office Syndrome Therapy includes high pressure, targeted structural massage modalities that are best suited to address this type of chronic pain. It is specially designed to target common symptoms associated with workplace stress injuries including carpel tunnel, locked shoulders, and stress based migraines.

Wrap Up

Massages are a great way to ease out the stresses of the day. It works out uncomfortable knots and tightness and also helps with other muscle-related injuries.

With Zennya, you get everything you want in a massage: quality, convenience, access, value, and security. Take control of your health by choosing services to match your care need through a beautifully designed mobile app that allows you to order the services you need on your time and schedule. The Zennya app is available on both the App Store and Play Store.

Ready to get a massage from the experts? Use my Zennya referral code “rochkirstind344” and get Php 200 off your first booking. Enjoy! 🙂

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When it comes to skin care and beauty products, I prefer those that are made with natural ingredients as much as possible. To color my hair regrowth, once again, I contemplated between getting my hair done professionally in a salon or doing it at home myself. Apart from the hair regrowth, brassy hues and copper tones were also revealing a lot which I find unflattering.

I looked through claims of salons that use natural or less synthetic hair dyes, researched the brands they carry, and saw some offenders. The term “natural” could easily be misinterpreted. Some hair dye solutions may be ammonia-free but may still contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide, resorcinol, and parabens. These chemicals are quite harsh and can harden and thin the hair, and they’re thought to irritate the skin, eyes, bladder, and respiratory system. They are also suspected to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with the production, action and/or elimination of our naturally present hormones.

Hence, ultimately, to clear all doubts, purchasing a box of natural hair dye at Healthy Options seemed to be the safest bet. Healthy Options carries a wide variety of all-natural hair dyes, but among all, Naturigin and Herbatint are brands that caught my attention the most. Both are developed with certified organic ingredients. They are great healthy alternatives to mainstream hair dye and are recommended if you’re like me who do not want to compromise your love for freshly colored locks. This time, I opted to try Naturigin in Dark Coffee Brown 3.0 (PhP 1095).

Review of Naturigin Dark Coffee Brown Natural Hair Color

Naturigin permanent hair color is 100% free from ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, SLS, and PPD. It has a naturally derived formula, with a special blend of 12 natural oils and extracts that nourish and protect the hair while coloring. What I also love about Naturigin is that it’s cruelty free and vegan, which is amazing. For the packaging, it uses sustainable wind energy and environmentally-friendly 100% recyclable FSC materials.

I could have a stylist apply the hair color, but the packaging already includes a printed step-by-step guideline which looked very easy to follow. It also contained a set of disposable hand gloves, so a DIY application at home should be fine.

I used one box of Naturigin and just followed the instructions. There are three different products for three different steps marked with A, B and C for the order of use. The Color Cream (A) has a special-lasting formula of gentle extracts; the Activator (B) has a special formula to ensure a perfect and lasting result; and the Color Lock (C) locks the color.

How was the application? Easy and straightforward. I emptied A into B (applicator bottle) and shook the bottle to mix the formula that creates the color. I parted my hair into many sections and began with the application. To keep things tidy and less messy, I used the Herbatint application kit which comes with a cape and a nifty hair color application brush. (Note: This is also available in Healthy Options.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmFPZecg4bu/?taken-by=rochkirstin

 

It took me around 15 minutes to complete the process from the roots to the ends, and I waited for 30 minutes for the color to develop before washing my hair and using the Color Lock.

How did the color turn out? Awesome! Here are my before and after photos.

Before

After

What did I like about Naturigin Natural Hair Color?

• No awful smell: Hair dye usually smells like a mixture of harsh chemicals, and it’s scary to think that you are inhaling that as you dye your hair, especially when you’re pregnant, have sensitive skin, or have allergies. The good thing about this Naturigin product is that it does not smell awful like most other brands. Rather, it has a very faint floral smell.
• No stinging sensation on scalp: When you have hair dye on your head you often know about it as the scalp feels a little irritated or tingly. This hair dye didn’t irritate my scalp at all. There was no stinging sensation; it just felt like conditioner that had been brushed through my hair.
• Easy wash: Instead of the usual pools of brownish red dye that streams down the drain, this hair color looks just like shampoo being washed away. I didn’t have to spend ages washing my hair out till the water went clear. The color was so easy to rinse out and much more pleasant. After rinsing out the dye, I just followed up with the Color Lock, a pale green gel that resembles a shampoo, and used the Giovanni hair conditioner to create a silky smooth texture.
• A pretty, natural shade: My hair has been fully covered, and it feels really healthy and soft. The color looks even and natural. It’s exactly the shade that I wanted
• All-natural: If you’re thinking of switching up to something natural and safe, look no further. Naturigin hair dye is 100% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) free, 100% ammonia free, 100% resorcinol free, 100% parabens free, with 12 natural oils and extracts, with certified organic ingredients, against Animal Testing, and vegan friendly.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.naturigin.com/” name=”Naturigin Dark Coffee Brown Natural Hair Color” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-08-05″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

Nobody likes to look in the mirror and see a wrinkle, acne or rash on their face. But getting the right product that gives you a radiant look can be tasking. For a younger looking skin, go for Timeless Skincare products, to keep your skin protected, healthy and younger. Do not get tired and leave your skin vulnerable to damage or aging because you can’t find the right product.

Here are the best timeless skincare products that will keep you looking younger.

Timeless Squalane Oil

Timeless Squalane oil is a lightweight serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This means you get to have beautiful, radiant, younger-looking skin. This product is a plant-based moisturizing oil, it’s fragrance-free and contains no harsh chemicals.

All you need to do is to apply two or three drops morning and night, and you will begin to see more youthful results. Use this product anytime on its own or in addition to your favorite creams and moisturizers

Timeless Pure Hyaluronic Acid

This is one of the most powerful formulas available anywhere. It replenishes, repairs, and moisturizes for smooth skin and a younger looking appearance. Use a small amount on your face or anywhere you want to increase firmness and lift.

The 1% formula and high molecular weight contains more active ingredients and holds up to 1000 times its weight in water for superior moisturizing and hydrating effects.

Timeless Eye Creams

Formulated with safe, active ingredients, Timeless eye creams hydrate, nourish, and protect the delicate skin underneath the eye. Try the hydrating eye cream with Hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000 to firm and tone. It minimizes the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines without leaving a greasy residue.

The lightweight dark circle cream prevents puffiness and reduces inflammation while hydrating and toning, brightening the eye area.

Summer is coming, and you need a change – your hair is always the first guinea pig, and a salon visit is always in order. Whether you want to try a loud, rebellious color or want to have long hair without the wait, you may consider getting hair extensions. However, it is better to go big or go home: make sure that you only get the best quality hair extensions to get a truly gorgeous new look.

How to Find the Best Quality Hair Extensions

Hair Type

Remember that hair extensions will come in various types, including lengths, quality, and shades. Human hair extensions are said to be the best type of hair extension available, as it is naturally-sourced and cut in the same direction, so it blends evenly with your natural hair. Real hair extensions can be styled and washed normally as well.
You may also choose to use synthetic hair extensions, although they do not style as well as real hair. They are also not heat-friendly and have a silicone coating on them that gives them that initial shine when they are put in your hair. This coating will fade and will look dull.

Look for Shedding

When you choose high-quality hair extensions, you’ll find that the weave does not shed even with frequent washing and styling. Before the extensions go into your hair, make sure to run your fingers through the hair – if you find that more than a few strands come out, skip it. You do not have to worry about finding Russian hair extensions in Australian salons if you can verify that the hair is high-quality.

Plenty of Hair

While you are ensuring that your hair extensions do not shed, also make sure that it is the same thickness throughout. From top to bottom, there should be no gaps in the hair or at the weft or clips. If there are any doubts, hold it up to the light to check for even minimal gaps in the extension.

Perfect Match

After you’ve verified the quality of hair extensions, remember they also have to blend well with the rest of your hair. The extensions should match your current or desired hair color, and most high-quality salons and sellers will have hair in a variety of colors to help it match perfectly with your natural hair.

After Care

Make sure to speak with your stylist extensively about caring for your hair extensions. However, if you end up with high-quality real hair extensions, there is minimal effort other than what you currently do with your natural hair. It needs to be brushed regularly to avoid damage or tangling, it should be worn up at night, and you should use only the best quality, natural products to preserve the life of your hair extensions.

Even though you shouldn’t leave your hair extensions on for anything past 10 to 12 weeks, you should invest in them and make sure they are as natural as possible. From clip-ins to larger and more permanent extensions, always be sure that you are getting the best quality hair for your overall look.

Are you afraid of experiencing early signs of skin aging? Just so you know, you are not the only one. All people are afraid to grow old and look old. But as we all know, aging is inevitable. However, the good news is, signs of aging-these can be prevented, especially when you have the right products and proper knowledge on how to do so.

Early signs of aging occur when free radicals invade the skin cells, producing oxidative stress that may wreak havoc on our body system and this mess may show in our skin as signs of aging. Lucky for us, there are ways on how we can keep them at bay. One of these is to use effective anti-aging products with the right ingredients, such as Stemuderm.

But how do you know if your skin is already aging? Well, here are some signs that you should look out for:

1. Sun Spots

These are the first signs of aging 20s and are often a result of sun damage. Age spots are more than just a sign that your skin is aging-these also show that you have failed to properly take care of your skin because these are results of long years of your unprotected skin’ exposure to the sun.

To avoid this, it is a must that you use a sun protective product that has an SPF of more than 30. You should also make sure that your sunscreen is broad spectrum and can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. In addition to that, you may also wish to use sun protective clothing like long sleeves, jackets and the like. You may also want to wear hats and caps every time you are out.

2. Skin Dryness

We all think that dry skin is normal but what we do not know is that it is one of the signs of premature aging skin. In fact, it may be the catalyst of the aging process as dry skin is usually the precursor to other signs of aging like fine lines, skin dullness, wrinkles, and many others.

With all of the pollutants and harsh chemicals that our skin is exposed to, our skin is in a constant battle to stay moisturized day in and day out. That is why you must incorporate a deep moisturizing treatment in your skin care routine. Opt for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and makes sure to use a face mask at least twice a week.

In addition to that, you should also drink plenty of water and eat more veggies and fruits so you can hydrate your skin from within.

3. Crow’s Feet

This is the usual signs of aging in your 30s. Crow’s feet are the deep vertical lines that you will often find at the sides of your eyes. Overtime, these seemingly harmless lines will become the signs of aging that we would never want to see-fine lines and wrinkle.

These lines are the result of the thinning and drying of the skin that we experience as we age. The loss (or the decrease in the production) of collagen and elastin in the body as we grow old may also be the reason behind this.

With that in mind, we should use anti-aging care products that can boost the production of elastin and collagen in the body, such as Stemnucell. In addition to that, we should also wear sunglasses every time we are out to prevent the UV rays and free radicals from damaging our eye area which is considered to be the most sensitive part of the skin. Doing so can also help you avoid squinting which can promote the formation of these lines.

4. Skin Dullness

When we age, the turnover rate of our skin cells gets slower. This may result in skin dullness because the dead layers of our skin stay on the surface.

Lucky for you, this sign of aging has an easy solution, and that is exfoliation. With regular exfoliation, you can be able to promote the cell turnover, and you can get rid of the flaky, dull looking skin. With this in mind, you should exfoliate your skin with glycolic acid at least twice or thrice a week. You can also visit your dermatologist to get microdermabrasion or glycolic peel treatment.

5. Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes and dark circles-these are the two most obvious signs of aging skin on face. Puffy eyes are the result of poor blood flow and circulation in the face area which may lead to water retention. On the other hand, dark circles are a result of weakened and broken blood vessels under the skin’s surface.

To avoid this, use an eye cream that has a metal rollerball applicator which can promote proper lymphatic circulation. You should also reduce your salt, and alcohol intake. Also, avoid tugging and rubbing your skin as much as possible.

Wrapping it up

Do not wait for fine lines or any of these signs of aging to appear before you make a move. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. So as early as now, incorporate products that can boost collagen production into your skincare routine or better yet, invest in potent anti-wrinkle creams. In addition to that, do not forget to cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturize day in and day out. Prioritize your skincare routine, so you do not have to deal with these nasty signs earlier than expected.

The low-carb diet is becoming slowly accessible these days, with many people following meal plans that cut down on any form of carbohydrates and sugar to burn even more fat. It can be extraordinarily useful and holds a ton of health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of diabetes or insulin resistance. Plus, it saves you a ton of calories (no more calorific bread and sugary junk!).

However, just like many other diets, there are a few obstacles you’ll run into. Yes, going low-carb isn’t just about restriction yourself from bread and pasta! It’s best to know the standard low-carb diet mistakes to avoid plateaus and reach your goals consistently.

Wondering what they are? Read on as I show you the top five mistakes!

Avoid These Five Common Low-Carb Diet Mistakes For Your Weight Loss Goals

1. You Overeat Protein

Protein is a crucial macronutrient everyone needs to stay strong and improve your satiety. It also helps increase fat burning compared to consuming fat or carbs. Consuming more protein can help with weight loss and improve your body composition.

BUT, low-carb dieters should take heed. Overeating protein can end up with you not being able to reach ketosis (a state of efficient fat burning).

Why? Those who consume more protein than what your body needs will be producing a lot of amino acids. Some of these amino acids contained in the protein you consume turn into glucose, through a process known as gluconeogenesis. As a result, you won’t be able to go into full-blown ketosis.

That’s why it’s best to consume a high amount of fat, moderate protein, and obviously, low carbs. Remember to count your macros efficiently!

2. You Don’t Replenish Your Sodium

The main benefit of low-carb diets is that you reduce your insulin levels. Another thing insulin would do is to tell your kidneys to hold on to sodium. With a low-carb diet, your body will begin to shed excess sodium and water with your insulin levels. It’s why low-carb dieters would experience less of bloat after just days of eating little to no carbs.

But you have to remember that sodium is a vital electrolyte your body needs. Without it, you’ll be feeling a lot of side effects such as headaches, tiredness, or constipation!

That’s why you need to add more sodium to your diet. You can do this without eating carbs, by adding salt to your dishes or drinking broth every day.

3. You Skimp On Vegetables And Overeat Fat

Vegetables are mostly filled with carbs, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it! Yes, your mom was right. Not eating your fruits and vegetables will have you feel wrong and won’t work in the long run. Plants are low in calories and because of that, minimal carbs as well. Fruits low in sugar help you as well. I recommend that you consume more fruits like avocados or berries, as well as dark leafy vegetables.

Also, overeating fat can hinder your weight loss goals. So besides counting your macros, don’t forget your calories!

4. You Don’t Plan Or Have Patience

During the first few days of your low-carb diet, you’ll most likely have a difficult time quitting some old habits. That’s why it’s best to plan and have your meals rather than to wonder what you should have next mindlessly. If that’s the case, the more of a chance you’ll go back to what you used to eat.

I would recommend that you have a meal plan and shop ahead. Batch-cooking helps and will keep you from cheating. Stick to your meal plan and stay patient and you’ll see changes within weeks.

5. You Check Out Low-Carb Food

Just because it’s low-carb doesn’t mean it’s super healthy! Meal replacement bars or low-carb treats that claim it’s low in sugar contain maltitol, which is a chemical as dangerous as sugar. This is a carbohydrate would affect your blood sugar and can hinder your goals. I recommend that you stick with making your meals and eating natural food to reap its health benefits.

Wrapping It Up

Following a low-carb diet shouldn’t be just about restricting and removing any form of carbohydrates! Just because you take a ton of ketone supplements and eat a bulk of fat, you won’t be losing weight if you don’t count your macronutrients or efficiently plan.

That’s why it’s essential to acquaint yourself not only with what you should do but what you need to avoid following as well. Through learning these common low-carb diet mistakes, there won’t be a problem with reaching your weight loss goals.

For those who want to know more about low-carb diets or to share their experiences, do comment down below. All your contributions will be much appreciated!

Author’s Bio:
My name is Layla and I’m a writer at Howtonight.com – lifestyle blog which mostly focuses on health and nutrition but we also publish articles related to pets, travel, and entertainment.

From dry buffing to drinking gallons of water, many of us spend a lot of time and energy striving to achieve flawless skin. So, when a bunch of pesky stretch marks shows up, it can be incredibly disheartening! But don’t worry because you’re not alone. Stretch marks are a common skin complaint, affecting 90 percent of women who have been pregnant, 70 percent of adolescent females and 40 percent of adolescent males.

So, what are they?

Also known as striae, stretch marks are deep, groove-like lines that appear in the skin after the dermal layer has been stretched beyond its normal size. Usually occurring during pregnancy, adolescence or periods of weight gain, stretch marks are found in areas that are prone to an increase in sizes, such as the abdomen and thighs. Anyone who works out is also liable to get stretch marks on their arms because the increase in muscle mass causes the skin to stretch unexpectedly.

The good news is that if you have recent stretch marks, you have a good chance of minimizing their appearance. But be warned, the older the stretch marks get, the harder you have to work at reducing them.

Okay, so what can you do to avoid them?

While there are plenty of things you can do to minimize your chances of getting stretch marks from exercise or weight gain, when it comes to pregnancy, the odds of getting stretch marks increase by 50 percent if your mother suffered from them — which is up there with all the other life odds you didn’t expect! During pregnancy, genetics play a significant role in stretch marks, so while there might not be much you can do to stop them, there are ways to reduce their appearance.

What to Do About Stretch Marks

• Diet – Eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains will help you to avoid gaining unnecessary weight, which could contribute to stretch marks. Avoid eating processed, sugary foods, as they will pile on the pounds and force your skin to stretch!
• Exercise – Getting up and about will help to stave off unwanted pounds while keeping your muscles toned.
• Water – Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, so aim for at least eight glasses a day.
• Vitamin E – Used as a food supplement and as a massage oil, vitamin E is proven to keep skin supple and elastic, as well as helping to support your immunity.
• Moisturize – Many moms-to-be turn to cocoa butter to keep their bumps moisturized and their skin supple.
  But what if you already have them?

Luckily, there are ways you can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, using items that you probably already have around the home. Aloe vera gel is well regarded for its abilities to reduce the appearance of stretch marks due to its intensively moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. If you have an aloe vera plant, snap off a piece and rub the gel into your skin twice a day to lighten the appearance of stretch marks.

Lemon is also known for its abilities to boost collagen production in the skin as it contains large quantities of vitamin C. Squeeze the juice of a lemon onto your stretch marks, leave for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water.

While these home remedies might help, the most effective way to remove stretch marks is through laser treatment. The laser kick-starts the body’s natural healing process by removing the damaged tissues and promoting the production of collagen to improve the texture and color of the skin. Microneedles is another way to build collagen production and make stretch marks less noticeable.

Of course, there is a simple alternative to these treatments: learn to love them! Stretch marks are a natural function of the body and nothing to warrant shame. Embracing them is a positive step for both your mind and body!